View Full Version : Mandatory Arabic Classes Coming to Schools
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/02/07/mandatory-arabic-classes-coming-to-mansfield/
"Language of the Future"?!
MANSFIELD (CBSDFW.COM) – Some Students at Mansfield ISD schools could soon be learning Arabic as a required language. The school district wants students at select schools to take Arabic language and culture classes as part of a federally funded grant.
The Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP) grant was awarded to Mansfield ISD last summer by the U.S. Department of Education.
As part of the five-year $1.3 Million grant, Arabic classes would be mandatory at Cross Timbers Intermediate School and Kenneth Davis Elementary School. The program would also be optional for students at T. A. Howard Middle School and Summit High School.
Parents at Cross Timbers say they were caught off-guard by the program, and were surprised the district only told them about it in a meeting Monday night between parents and Mansfield ISD Superintendent Bob Morrison.
The DOE has identified Arabic as a ‘language of the future.’ But parent Joseph Balson was frustrated by the past. “Why are we just now finding out about it?” asked Balson. “It’s them (Mansfield ISD) applying for the grant, getting it approved and them now saying they’ll go back and change it only when they were caught trying to implement this plan without parents knowing about it.”
Trisha Savage thinks it will offer a well-rounded education. “I think its a great opportunity that will open doors. We need to think globally and act locally.”
Mansfield ISD says in addition to language, the grant provides culture, government, art, traditions and history as part of the curriculum.
Some parents had concerns over religion. “The school doesn’t teach Christianity, so I don’t want them teaching Islam,” said parent Baron Kane. During Monday’s meeting Morrison stressed the curriculum would not be about religion, but about Arabic language and culture, similar to Spanish curriculum already in place in the district.
Kheirieh Hannun, was born in the Middle East but raised in the U.S. She believes giving students the option to learn Arabic will give her son and others like him the option to learn more about their culture. “It was surprising, but I think it’s okay, and it will help come down on the stereotype.” Hannun says she is hopeful the class could broaden the minds of not only students, but also parents.
The FLAP grant was awarded to only five school districts across the country, including Mansfield.
I notice a couple of things
First it's a grant. In other words the school district does not have the money to do it so they got a "grant".
While it is good to learn a different language - culture? What Arab culture are they going to teach? Can you teach about Arab culture without talking about religion? Wonder if they have a Jesus Free Christmas, Oh, excuse me, Holiday Play.
I did take French in High School and I can't remember anything about religion - but that was back in the day of bell bottoms and eight tracks.
I notice a couple of things
First it's a grant. In other words the school district does not have the money to do it so they got a "grant".
While it is good to learn a different language - culture? What Arab culture are they going to teach? Can you teach about Arab culture without talking about religion? Wonder if they have a Jesus Free Christmas, Oh, excuse me, Holiday Play.
I did take French in High School and I can't remember anything about religion - but that was back in the day of bell bottoms and eight tracks.
And nobody said anything about "The Language of the Future". These handwringers need to determine whether they wanna let the Chinese or the Muslims take over the Country.
Kyobanim
02-08-2011, 08:54
but that was back in the day of bell bottoms and eight tracks.
You left out platform shoes
Info on the topic.
http://www.mansfieldisd.org/curriculum/foreign-language/arabic.htm
http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/01/03/2740814/mansfield-school-district-gets.html
The FAQ which outlines their reasoning and the program's limits is here.
http://www.mansfieldisd.org/curriculum/foreign-language/pdf/ArabicStudiesFAQ.pdf
Like magnet schools and other such programs, this one seems like a good opportunity for interested students to me.
And so it goes...
Richard :munchin
greenberetTFS
02-08-2011, 09:44
I notice a couple of things
First it's a grant. In other words the school district does not have the money to do it so they got a "grant".
While it is good to learn a different language - culture? What Arab culture are they going to teach? Can you teach about Arab culture without talking about religion? Wonder if they have a Jesus Free Christmas, Oh, excuse me, Holiday Play.
I did take French in High School and I can't remember anything about religion - but that was back in the day of bell bottoms and eight tracks.
You also left out 78's,45's and LP's............:D Or was that before your time?.........;)
Big Teddy :munchin
I say that they should only allow instruction in the language for students who actually want to and will actually be dedicated to it. I mean when I took French in high school, I wanted to take it and learn it. However, there were students there that did not care about class so I thought it was a waste of time for them and the teacher to be instructing students who didn't care.
mojaveman
02-08-2011, 12:20
If American children are going to be taught about Arab/Islamic culture should they also be taught about it's great failings, like treating women like dogs and demading that infidels convert or be killed?
"We're going to learn a new language today kids, but before we begin with pronunciation please remove one of your socks and stuff it in your mouth." :p
It's good to know about foreign cultures and languages though.
If American children are going to be taught about Arab/Muslim culture should they also be taught about it's great failings like treating women like dogs and demading that all infidels convert or be killed?It would be something if such classes were taught from a feminist perspective.
1stindoor
02-08-2011, 12:42
It's official...I'm pissed:mad:
Hey $hit for brains...how about teaching English, Grammer, Spelling, Math.
How about teaching U.S. history.
How about teaching OUR @%$&$#@@#$#'ing culture...you know the one that says hate to break it to you there mohammid, but your country is ef'ed up and that's why we live here.
And am I the only one that finds it strangely ironic that "DOE" (pronounced like the deer) thinks Arabic is the language of the future?
Trisha Savage thinks it will offer a well-rounded education. “I think its a great opportunity that will open doors. We need to think globally and act locally.”
Trisha Savage is an idiot...think globally?...then teach them to be globally competitive...not docile.
The district curriculum proposal shows 100 minutes of instruction in the general subject area per week - which equates to 20 minutes per day and about 1/19th of the overall weekly instructional time.
All of the common subject areas demanded of the Texas Ed Agency will receive 18/19ths of the instructional time.
Only a small portion of the district's schools will be clustered in this initiative.
Around here, there are many such 'clusters' which allow families/students to tailor their education - some common programs are arts, science and math, foreign languages, technology, health and law, careers, and classical studies.
When a group of schools is aligned for such a purpose around here, parents are given the option to either have their children attend the program or attend another school/program within the district.
And so it goes...
Richard :munchin
I heard school uniforms are up next.
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/02/07/mandatory-arabic-classes-coming-to-mansfield/
dr. mabuse
02-08-2011, 18:48
*
Personally if it were our school district, I would rather see my kids spend more time learning about American History and Culture than a likely sanitized Arabic Studies program sponsored by who knows what.
A language of the future? Is that because of the broad array of scientific articles published only in Arabic? The delightful abundance of literature? The economic vigor of the area as they go beyond resource extraction and build new industries that compete in the global marketplace? Or perhaps it's the intellectual flux as students in that corner of the world challenge all the old assumptions and develop fresh new insights?
1stindoor is right. Many of our students at the University level lack basic skills in writing in the English language. Their grammar is poor, their spelling worse (despite spell-checker software), and the concept of the paragraph eludes them. If we do not address these problems, our students will be unprepared - utterly unprepared - for the future.
GratefulCitizen
02-08-2011, 20:05
A language of the future? Is that because of the broad array of scientific articles published only in Arabic? The delightful abundance of literature? The economic vigor of the area as they go beyond resource extraction and build new industries that compete in the global marketplace? Or perhaps it's the intellectual flux as students in that corner of the world challenge all the old assumptions and develop fresh new insights?
1stindoor is right. Many of our students at the University level lack basic skills in writing in the English language. Their grammar is poor, their spelling worse (despite spell-checker software), and the concept of the paragraph eludes them. If we do not address these problems, our students will be unprepared - utterly unprepared - for the future.
wut r u tkn bout?
txt msg n inet r 2 cool!
ur 2 old!
wut r u tkn bout?
txt msg n inet r 2 cool!
ur 2 old!
Way too old. And getting more cranky by the day. I'll probably rant about those darned kids at some point. :D
Way too old. And getting more cranky by the day. I'll probably rant about those darned kids at some point. :D
Here ya go Nmap:
النزول بلدي العشب
("Get off my grass!" in Arabic.)
:D
TrapLine
02-08-2011, 20:24
Dr. mabuse's question:"Why is Arabic the "language of the future" per the DOE?" has me thinkin':
I wonder what sort of occupation the DOE is preparing these students for.
What astonishing aposematic crinkum-crankum thinly packaged in a crescendo of metathesiophobic frittancy.
Perhaps reading the linked MISD's information on the proposed program (one of 'opportunity' vs the 'mandatory' proclaimed in the newspaper article) and the DOE's position on the future criticality of America having Arabic speakers due to our foreseeable long-term involvement in that region (not that Arabic is a language of the future) might be of benefit.
Or maybe not.
And so it goes...
Richard :munchin
dr. mabuse
02-08-2011, 21:34
*
Such delightful words! Fritinancy, especially - meaning the chirping of insects, correct?
That said, I question the validity of the DOE's position and hence the value of the voluntary program. My issue is the level of net exports of crude oil as the Middle Eastern countries increase domestic consumption and simultaneously experience production declines due to depletion. Under my set of assumptions, the value of the Middle East and Arab nations as a source of crude oil will decline far more rapidly than is suggested by depletion alone.
Crickets (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8E_zMLCRNg)
dr. mabuse
02-08-2011, 21:50
*
What astonishing aposematic crinkum-crankum thinly packaged in a crescendo of metathesiophobic frittancy.An asteroid is going to hit the earth on Good Friday the 13th of April, 2036...class reunion?
An asteroid is going to hit the earth on Good Friday the 13th of April, 2036...class reunion?
4-13-79 to 4-13-36...Shepherd's Black Sheep and Kerrigan's Krushers - sounds good to me. Better make sure the bar has handicap access for our walkers and wheel chairs. :D
Richard :munchin
I think it's just an indirect way of trying to create more Arabic speakers so that they can help the various three letter agencies in matters that involve the safety of this nation under the guise of thinking "globally" and being "multicultural".
And nobody said anything about "The Language of the Future". These handwringers need to determine whether they wanna let the Chinese or the Muslims take over the Country.
I'd take a Chinese occupation over an Muslim occupation, but then again, with the Chinese I'd get a refresher on Taoism, Confucism, etc. With that, how do you teach Muslim cultural awareness, without teaching the benefits of sharia law, if there are any.
Of course it might be a Chinese/Thai/Malaysian blended non-Arab Muslim class.
Of course it might be a Chinese/Thai/Malaysian blended non-Arab Muslim class.There might be hot coffee and doughnuts on the drop zone, too...
There might be hot coffee and doughnuts on the drop zone, too...
Only if the Medic called the Runnin' Chef and gave him the TOT. :p
Coffee and honey buns...mmmmmmmmmm!!!!! :D
Richard :munchin
If American children are going to be taught about Arab/Muslim culture should they also be taught about it's great failings, like treating women like dogs and demading that infidels convert or be killed?
Exactly!!! Sorry, but there is no educational value in teaching this "religion of peace" CRAP to our children, IMNSHO! Being raised to repect cultures is one thing, but this tolerance-multi-cultural living in harmony garbage is what this is shrouded in, and don't even get me started on the whole burka thing...
Hey news flash...as an American woman, you do not have to walk ten steps behind your man, head bowed, covered in shame, waiting to know if you have pleased him or if the nightly beating will get really interesting...:mad:
This is America for cryin out loud, where, thanks to our brave soldiers defeating the sorry assed terrorists, we are FREE! If muslims living here do not like it, then they can take the next boat back to the stonge-aged country where they came from, IMHO.:munchin
It's official...I'm pissed:mad:
Hey $hit for brains...how about teaching English, Grammer, Spelling, Math.
How about teaching U.S. history.
How about teaching OUR @%$&$#@@#$#'ing culture...you know the one that says hate to break it to you there mohammid, but your country is ef'ed up and that's why we live here.
Bravo! Brilliant post!
Holly
Arabic language and culture = Spanish language and culture??? WTF?:munchin
Mansfield Arabic Program On Hold
Updated: Feb 8, 2011 4:30 p.m.
MANSFIELD (CBSDFW.COM) – A Mansfield ISD program to teach Arabic language and culture in schools is on hold for now, and may not happen at all.
The school district wanted students at selected schools to take Arabic language and culture classes as part of a federally funded grant.
The Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP) grant was awarded to Mansfield ISD last summer by the U.S. Department of Education.
As part of the five-year $1.3 million grant, Arabic classes would have been taught at Cross Timbers Intermediate School and other schools feeding into Summit High School.
Parents at Cross Timbers say they were caught off-guard by the program, and were surprised the district only told them about it in a meeting Monday night between parents and Mansfield ISD Superintendent Bob Morrison.
The Department of Education has identified Arabic as a ‘language of the future.’ But parent Joseph Balson was frustrated by the past. “Why are we just now finding out about it?” asked Balson. “It’s them (Mansfield ISD) applying for the grant, getting it approved and them now saying they’ll go back and change it only when they were caught trying to implement this plan without parents knowing about it.”
Trisha Savage thinks it will offer a well-rounded education. “I think its a great opportunity that will open doors. We need to think globally and act locally.”
Mansfield ISD says in addition to language, the grant provides culture, government, art, traditions and history as part of the curriculum.
Some parents had concerns over religion. “The school doesn’t teach Christianity, so I don’t want them teaching Islam,” said parent Baron Kane.
During Monday’s meeting Morrison stressed the curriculum would not be about religion, but about Arabic language and culture, similar to the Spanish curriculum already in place in the district.
Full Article Here:
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/02/07/mandatory-arabic-classes-coming-to-mansfield/
ZonieDiver
02-09-2011, 13:10
It's been a long time since I was a student in a high school foreign language class, but I seem to recall in my FOG-obfuscated brain that in Senor Emmons Clase de Espanol, we did a LOT of cultural crapola. Records, art, entertainment, etc.
Granted, Sr Emmons focused mostly on Spain... especially "Barthalona"... .but, it was culture.
While believing that it wasn't a very wise decision, or process, that this district undertook, I can say that it is my observation that students who partake of foreign language classes in school tend to do better in their English language efforts.
YMMV
It's been a long time since I was a student in a high school foreign language class, but I seem to recall in my FOG-obfuscated brain that in Senor Emmons Clase de Espanol, we did a LOT of cultural crapola. Records, art, entertainment, etc.
Granted, Sr Emmons focused mostly on Spain... especially "Barthalona"... .but, it was culture.
While believing that it wasn't a very wise decision, or process, that this district undertook, I can say that it is my observation that students who partake of foreign language classes in school tend to do better in their English language efforts.
YMMV
Agree ZD Sir,
However, my problem is that this is actually being defended by someone who equates Spanich Culture and Language with Islamic Culture and Language. Am no expert, by far, but it seems to me that argument is like Apples and Oranges, Pit Bulls and Chiwawa's, Black burka wearing and bikinis...:rolleyes::munchin:(
Holly
Agree ZD Sir,
However, my problem is that this is actually being defended by someone who equates Spanich Culture and Language with Islamic Culture and Language. Am no expert, by far, but it seems to me that argument is like Apples and Oranges, Pit Bulls and Chiwawa's, Black burka wearing and bikinis...:rolleyes::munchin:(
HollyYeah, the Spanish Empire was perfectly benevolent both at home and abroad.
Yeah, the Spanish Empire was perfectly benevolent both at home and abroad.
Am not a historian.
Was simply linking what my grade-school education taught me about Spanish, and its language and culture.
Strangely, it did not mention how the Spanish treated their women as less than human, like dogs, or cattle. Yet I am sure there are historical refferences as to that notion, that a real historian could argue.
None of that changes the fact, or can shine the light off of the fact that this decision to teach Islam to school kids as a happy little kum-by-ya culture, is a bad idea.
Why?
Because OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS are out there right now fighting and dying to protect America from these bastards' radical hatred.
Holly
<<SNIP>>None of that changes the fact, or can shine the light off of the fact that this decision to teach Islam to school kids as a happy little kum-by-ya culture, is a bad idea.
Why?
Because OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS are out there right now fighting and dying to protect America from these bastards' radical hatred.Was the plan to teach Arabic culture or Islamic culture? (Is there a difference?)
If GWOT is indeed a generational contest between civilizations, why not give youngsters every opportunity to learn about "the opposition"? Patriotism grounded in education (rather than indoctrination) is not such a bad idea. YMMV.
cszakolczai
02-09-2011, 14:33
Studying Arabic and the Arab culture will only help us in our endeavors...
"It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle."
Sun Tzu
Arabic isnt so bad and it would have been nice to have a head start before hitting it in college.
......... why not give youngsters every opportunity to learn about "the opposition"? Patriotism grounded in education ......
Public school - first we have to find out if they know who the "real enemy" is.
Studying Arabic and the Arab culture will only help us in our endeavors...
"It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle."
Sun Tzu
Arabic isnt so bad and it would have been nice to have a head start before hitting it in college.
Studying English, the other two R's, manners, common sense and the work ethic would help more.
cszakolczai
02-09-2011, 14:41
Studying English, the other two R's, manners, common sense and the work ethic would help more.
I dont deny this at all, but if one has to take a language/cultural course, Arabic would seem like a very valid option especially with the current political climate.
I dont deny this at all, but if one has to take a language/cultural course, Arabic would seem like a very valid option especially with the current political climate.
Not if they're all dead.
Was the plan to teach Arabic culture or Islamic culture? (Is there a difference?)YMMV.
You would probobly be able to answer that question better than anyone else here, amigo. Why would I even try? Unless it was for the amusement of those present, in which case, they would definately get a good chuckle.:o
Have stated my opinion, to the best of my ability, and indeed, YMMV.
Holly
In the 'too late...the horse is out of the barn' category, I hate to spoil everyone's stew but we do teach all of the world's major cultures and religions in school now as a part of the world geography, world history, world literature, fine arts, and foreign language studies curricula...but don't tell anybody.
Personally, I would not want to be associated with any school who didn't.
Richard :munchin
cszakolczai
02-09-2011, 14:48
Not if they're all dead.
"There you go again" :D
In the 'too late...the horse is out of the barn' category, I hate to spoil everyone's stew but we do teach all of the world's major cultures and religions in school now as a part of the world geography, world history, world literature, fine arts, and foreign language studies curricula...but don't tell anybody.
Personally, I would not want to be associated with any school who didn't.
Richard :munchin
Richard Sir, am snowed in....literally here Sir, so I am on PS a little more than usual today, but....Did I offend the Panda? Do you have it in for me today? Argh!:cool:
Am hoping not Sir, as my knowledge is always greater after reading your posts.
Holly
If American children are going to be taught about Arab/Islamic culture should they also be taught about it's great failings, like treating women like dogs and demading that infidels convert or be killed?
"We're going to learn a new language today kids, but before we begin with pronunciation please remove one of your socks and stuff it in your mouth." :p
It's good to know about foreign cultures and languages though.
Yes, you have to teach about the culture when teaching a language. This is my problem with this. Religion is a big part of their Culture. They are going to have to teach it.
But so is the savagery and total lack of respect for Human kind. They are so pitiful that they have to beat their Woman down. Because they are insecure cowards that are threatened by Woman. They keep their woman covered up because they are savages who can't control themselves.
See, thats the part that they will leave out of the classroom.:lifter
See, thats the part that they will leave out of the classroom.
Actually, a major point of discussion when teaching the world's major religions in school are the incongruities between a group's professed beliefs and their demonstrated actions as viewed through the historical record.
And so it goes...
Richard :munchin
Actually, a major point of discussion when teaching the world's major religions in school are the incongruities between a group's professed beliefs and their demonstrated actions as viewed through the historical record.
And so it goes...
Richard :munchin
Is that your way of saying, did I walk to school or carry my lunch.
I carried my lunch, too, but rode the bus...uphill both ways. ;)
Richard :munchin
I carried my lunch, too, but rode the bus...uphill both ways. ;)
Richard :munchin
You just blew my mind:D